- #1
Nikitin
- 735
- 27
You guys met those that give that kind of advice?
I've seen grown 40-year old engineering graduates from reunions who advise university students to "focus on being a student instead of studying", with "student" meaning somebody who spends most of his/her time on volunteer work and having fun instead of on the coursework, or something. Because, apparently, you'll do better in the jobs market if you've got a "well rounded and social personality". Hah, maybe if you're aiming for mediocrity.
In another case, just recently I was referred to a blog from an employer who opens up by saying "I never look at the grades of a candidate before an interview". Apparently he thinks students with too good grades are perfectionists, and perfectionists are bad. And so forth. Don't really agree with his opinion at all.
Though few agree with me. It seems to me this kind of thinking misguides many of my fellow students into foolishly thinking it's OK to waste time (20 hours a week in many cases, sometimes more) on volunteering for various festivals and organizations, at the cost of studying. Sure, everybody's different and everyone should choose their own path, but it seems to me "volunteering is good for one's career" line of thinking is just excuses for avoiding hard work.
Though don't get me wrong, I'm not for spending 100% of your time on study - I'd never do that. Going to parties and doing hobbies is crucial for ones sanity. But that said, I definitely consider getting good grades and learning as the top priority in university. After all, that's what the government is paying us for (yes, the government partially covers the costs of studying).
However, these people do have a point: spending lots of time on social stuff will make you extroverted and improve your social skills, and social skills are critical in both the job market and life. Sure, if you got bad grades you won't get a first job in a top company, but you might get to that company in 5 years after some work experience and allot of contacts (i.e. through light cronyism).
Now, perhaps you guys are a bit biased due to the high amount of academicians here, but I would really like to hear your opinion. Am I too serious and lame? Is focusing too much on school a mistake?
tl;dr: During university, is focusing on studying, or on developing ones social skills, the most important for a good career?
I've seen grown 40-year old engineering graduates from reunions who advise university students to "focus on being a student instead of studying", with "student" meaning somebody who spends most of his/her time on volunteer work and having fun instead of on the coursework, or something. Because, apparently, you'll do better in the jobs market if you've got a "well rounded and social personality". Hah, maybe if you're aiming for mediocrity.
In another case, just recently I was referred to a blog from an employer who opens up by saying "I never look at the grades of a candidate before an interview". Apparently he thinks students with too good grades are perfectionists, and perfectionists are bad. And so forth. Don't really agree with his opinion at all.
Though few agree with me. It seems to me this kind of thinking misguides many of my fellow students into foolishly thinking it's OK to waste time (20 hours a week in many cases, sometimes more) on volunteering for various festivals and organizations, at the cost of studying. Sure, everybody's different and everyone should choose their own path, but it seems to me "volunteering is good for one's career" line of thinking is just excuses for avoiding hard work.
Though don't get me wrong, I'm not for spending 100% of your time on study - I'd never do that. Going to parties and doing hobbies is crucial for ones sanity. But that said, I definitely consider getting good grades and learning as the top priority in university. After all, that's what the government is paying us for (yes, the government partially covers the costs of studying).
However, these people do have a point: spending lots of time on social stuff will make you extroverted and improve your social skills, and social skills are critical in both the job market and life. Sure, if you got bad grades you won't get a first job in a top company, but you might get to that company in 5 years after some work experience and allot of contacts (i.e. through light cronyism).
Now, perhaps you guys are a bit biased due to the high amount of academicians here, but I would really like to hear your opinion. Am I too serious and lame? Is focusing too much on school a mistake?
tl;dr: During university, is focusing on studying, or on developing ones social skills, the most important for a good career?
Last edited: